By: Monte Leeper
Q. I own a home in Rockville Centre with an old, gas-burning heating unit. This unit had been converted from coal to oil and to its present state by
previous owners. I am planning on having a new gas-heat unit installed to
replace the old, less efficient unit.
My plumber, who quoted me on the installation of the new unit and removal of the old unit, stated that before he can perform this job, I must have asbestos removed that is around the old unit and also covering the piping in the basement through which the steam heat flows to the various radiators. He further stated that if I sold the house, this "asbestos removal" would have
to be done before the sale of the house could be completed.
I would appreciate knowing if my plumber is correct and your advice on "asbestos removal". Also, are any state, county or town laws involved governing "asbestos removal."
Thanking you in advance for your information and advice.
A. Your plumber is correct. Asbestos is a substance that should not be taken-for granted. It serves as an excellent fire protective material, but its
removal is regulated by state and federal laws. This is due to the danger of
releasing the fibers into the air. Breathing in a single fiber, though
statistically not likely, can be deadly. You cannot see them, but the
millions of particles floating in the basement air, when mishandled, can be
drawn into your lungs and will literally cut lung tissue to ribbons by the
sharp edges of the asbestos fibers. The result is one of a few painfully
fatal diseases loosely described as lung cancer; namely, asbestosis
and mesothelioma.
Having known people afflicted with the disease, I do not
advise taking this topic lightly. Get a licensed removal service to properly
"glove bag" and wash the areas down. They will use special vacuums that have
microscopically configured filters (HEPA-High Efficiency Particulate Air)
and different stages of filtration to ensure removal of the fibers. The
solid mass of asbestos cement around the boiler is considered to be safe and
non-friable, until disturbed by cutting or some other mechanical means that
can then release fibers. The pipe covering is air-cell asbestos and can be
released just by air moving past it. You can wrap the pipe covering with
duct tape to encapsulate the material, but I recommend having the asbestos
removed. Contact a certified company and check their credentials. Don't
gamble with this material.
Good Luck!
